Quantitative Analysis of Components of Heroin Seized in Kuwait by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Aim: To identify the main and additive components of heroin trafficked in the State of Kuwait, and to provide a satisfactory explanation for the increase in deaths among heroin addicts.

Study Design: Selected samples of non-pure powder heroin seized in Kuwait and a set of pure heroin standards have been analyzed in the State Forensic Laboratories.

Place and Duration of Study: All analyses were conducted during 2012–2014 in the Forensic Laboratories of the General Department of Criminal Evidences – Ministry of Interior – State of Kuwait.

Methodology: A total of fifty samples of non-pure powder heroin seized in Kuwait during the year 2012 and ten pure standards have been analyzed by using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).

Results: The concentration % of the diacetylmorphine in Kuwait is in the range of (20-40%) and is much less than that manufactured (Her) in Afghanistan and Southeast Asia (concentration% (67-80%) and (85-95%) respectively. All heroin samples contain papaverine, noscapine, acetylcodaine and 6-mono-acetylmorphine with range proportion 0-40%, 2-38%, 4-40% and 4-40%, respectively. However, morphine has not been detected in all samples. The additive substances (adulterants) have been detected in heroin samples in various percentage concentrations with the following range concentrations %: caffeine % 0.54-16%, diazepam 0.02-7.3%, and in some samples: paracetamol (acetaminophen) 0-21.4%, (phenobarbital) 0-74% and (Alprazolam) 0-46.2% (new additive).

Conclusion: The illicit heroin trafficked in Kuwait as diacetylmorphine has concentrations ranging from 20% to 40%, and its main components include papaverine, noscapine, 6-mono-acetylmorphine and acetylcodaine, while morphine is absent. In addition a number of additive substances have been recorded, including paracetamol (acetaminophen), caffeine, diazepam, phenobarbital and Alprazolam as new additive substance.

The similarity between the additives identified in heroin under study and those recorded in heroin manufactured in Afghanistan and Iran would suggest that the mixed heroin in the two countries are possible sources of heroin seized in Kuwait.